Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has publicly called on members of the Somali diaspora living in the United Kingdom to openly oppose British parliamentarians who support the recognition of Somaliland.
Prime Minister Hamza made the remarks during a forum held in Mogadishu last night that focused on the role of the Somali diaspora in supporting the federal government and contributing to the country’s security sector. The event was attended by senior officials and diaspora representatives from various countries around the world.
Addressing members of the UK-based Somali community directly, the Prime Minister posed a pointed question:“Somali diaspora in the UK, every day in the country where you reside, there are MPs campaigning for the breakup of Somalia. Where are you? What are you doing?”
He urged the diaspora to organize public rallies and voice their stance clearly against any calls for Somalia’s disintegration.“We want to see a day when you take to the streets and say: ‘We do not accept this.’ If you do that, no MP in the UK will dare to push such agendas again,” he said.
The Prime Minister specifically pointed to Sir Gavin Williamson, a British Member of Parliament known for his vocal support of Somaliland. Williamson has repeatedly introduced motions in the UK Parliament calling for formal recognition of Somaliland, arguing that “the time has come for the international community to acknowledge the reality in the Horn of Africa.”
Hamza Abdi Barre stressed that the Somali federal government’s position against Somaliland’s secession is not rooted in hostility, but in national unity and affection.“It is because of the love we have for Somaliland that we oppose its separation,” he stated.
He added that there are other groups pursuing secessionist ambitions in a more discreet manner but have not declared their positions as openly as Somaliland has.“There are others with the same ambition, but they have yet to come forward,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when the Somali government maintains a firm stance against Somaliland’s efforts to gain international recognition. Somaliland declared independence in 1991, but it has not been recognized by any country to date.